System, method, and device for card games utilizing secondary identifiers

ABSTRACT

A method, system, and device are directed to a card game. In an optional embodiment, secondary identifiers are associated with playing cards. The secondary identifiers are selected to provide only partial information about a primary characteristic, such as value, suit, color, or the like, about the playing card. Optionally, the secondary identifiers are concealed from the player and are only perceivable through the use of a reader and display. A game is conducted according to its base game rules using the playing cards with secondary identifiers.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/158,551, filed 18 May 2016, titled SYSTEM, METHOD, AND DEVICE FOR CARD GAMES UTILIZING SECONDARY IDENTIFIERS.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present method relates to methods, systems, and devices for conducting card games. More specifically, the present invention includes methods, systems, and devices for conducting card games in which at least one playing card includes a secondary identifier to provide partial information about a primary characteristic of the playing card.

Background of the Invention

A family of poker games known in the art includes a group of players using one or more shared cards, referred to as community cards, in conjunction with individual player cards to form a player hand. Among the games in this family are Texas Hold'em and Pineapple (sometimes referred to as “Pineapple Hold'em” or “Crazy Pineapple”). Because the community cards are shared among the players, these games have previously been played solely in poker rooms by players competing for a player-funded pot.

Texas Hold'em is considered the most popular community card game. In a typical poker room, Texas Hold'em is played with a standard deck of fifty-two playing cards by as many as ten players.

In private games, it is typical to use ante bets to fund the pot; in poker room games, “blind” bets, that is, bets placed by a player before the player sees his cards, are used. Each player is dealt a player hand of two cards face down. These cards are used exclusively by the recipient.

After the player hands have been dealt, a round of betting takes place. In an embodiment utilizing blind bets, a player may only fold (that is, withdraw from the game), call (that is, match the current wager), or raise (that is, increase the current wager). In an embodiment utilizing ante bets, a player has the option to bet or call, check (that is, pass if no bets have been made), raise, or fold.

After the first betting round, the dealer deals a three community cards face-up. This is sometimes referred to as “the flop.” The community cards may be used by any player in combination with zero, one, or both of the cards in the player's hand to form a five-card poker hand in a manner described in more detail below. Another round of betting follows the flop. In the second and subsequent betting rounds, players have the option to bet or call, check, raise, or fold.

After the second betting round, a fourth community card is dealt. The fourth community card is sometimes referred to as “the turn” or “Fourth Street.” Yet another round of betting occurs.

After the third betting round, the dealer reveals a final community card, called “the river” or “Fifth Street.” A final betting round precedes the showdown. At showdown, all remaining players reveal their cards. Each player plays the highest ranking five-card poker hand possible using any combination of the five community cards and the two cards in the player's hand. In forming the player's hand, the player may use zero, one, or both cards in the player's hand in conjunction with five, four, or three of the community cards, respectively. The player with the highest ranking poker hand wins the pot.

Yet another well-known card game played in casinos is Blackjack. The object of Blackjack is to have a final hand total closer to twenty-one than the dealer's final hand total without exceeding twenty-one. For purposes of calculating the final hand total, each card has a value equal to its face value except face cards, which have a value of ten, and aces, which may have a value of eleven or one as the player selects. In conventional Blackjack, the suit of the cards is irrelevant.

The form of Blackjack played in casinos is played between a dealer, representing the house, and at least one player. In a typical Blackjack game, each player makes a base wager in a wagering area on a playing surface. The dealer deals two cards to each player and two cards, one card face up and the other face down, to himself or herself.

If the dealer does not have a natural twenty-one, any player receiving a natural twenty-one or Blackjack, i.e. a total of twenty-one in the initial dealt hand, is immediately rewarded, typically at a rate of 2:1, 3:2, or 6:5 and play is terminated as to that player. Each remaining player examines the player's hand and decides whether to hit, i.e. receive another card, or stand, i.e. stand on the player's current hand. A player may hit as many times as the player wishes as long as the player does not bust, i.e. receive a card causing his cumulative total to exceed twenty-one. When a player busts, the player's wager is immediately collected and play is terminated as to that player.

A player may also have additional options available depending on the initial player hand dealt. If the player receives a pair, i.e. two cards having the same face value, the player may split the pair and use each card as a basis for a separate hand. For example, if a player were to be dealt a pair of eights, the player may choose to split the pair and continue play with two hands each having an eight and an additional dealt card. Each of those individual hands is then played independently.

A player may also have the option to double down. Although the availability of the double down option varies from casino to casino, the option allows a player to double the player's wager in exchange for a single additional card. This option is typically selected when a player feels that he has a better than even chance of winning with drawing only a single card. This is often the case when the player has an initial two-card total of eleven, so that any face card will give the player a total of twenty-one, or when the dealer has a face-up card of a five or six, and the player feels it is likely that the dealer will bust.

After all the players have played their hands, the dealer reveals the face-down card in the dealer's hand. The dealer plays the dealer's hand according to established house rules. That is, the casino uses established rules to eliminate the dealer's discretion. The dealer hits or stands as the house rules dictate, and resolves the wagers. In resolving the wagers, players with a final hand total closer to twenty-one than the dealer's final hand total are rewarded at 1:1. Conversely, wagers are collected from players with a final hand total further from twenty-one than the dealer's final hand total. If the dealer busts, all players who did not bust or receive a Blackjack are rewarded. If the player and dealer push, i.e. have the same final hand total, the player's wager is returned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an apparatus for conducting a game. In one optional embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one a deck of playing cards. Each playing card includes at least one primary characteristic. Moreover, at least a portion of the playing cards includes a secondary identifier. In an optional embodiment, playing cards could include a plurality of secondary identifiers. The secondary identifier is selected to provide only partial information about the primary characteristic of the playing card to which the secondary identifier is applied. For example, in an optional embodiment, the primary characteristic is a playing card value and the secondary identifier provides information about the range of the playing card value of the playing card to which the secondary identifier is applied. In an optional embodiment, the secondary identifier is located or positioned so that the secondary identifier is exposed when the primary identifier is concealed.

In a further optional embodiment, the secondary identifier is only perceivable through the use of an electronic device. That is, in an optional embodiment, the secondary identifier is only perceivable through the use of an electronic device so that the playing cards are read via an electronic device to reveal the secondary identifier.

For example, in one optional embodiment, the secondary identifier is a radio frequency identification tag and the electronic device includes a radio frequency identification receiver. In another example, the secondary identifier is a magnetic tag and the electronic device is configured to read the magnetic tag. In yet another example, the secondary identifier comprises ink that is perceivable only under specific wavelengths of light and the electronic device includes a light configured to emit the specific wavelength of light.

The present invention also includes a method for utilizing game pieces (e.g., playing cards) that include a secondary identifier. In one optional embodiment, at least one physical deck of playing cards is utilized. Each of the playing cards includes at least one primary characteristic

At least a portion of the deck of playing cards is marked with a secondary identifier. The secondary identifier is selected to provide partial information about the primary characteristic of the playing card to which the secondary identifier is applied. In an optional embodiment, the playing card is marked so that the secondary identifier is exposed when the primary identifier is concealed. As discussed previously, in an optional embodiment, the secondary identifier may only be perceivable using an electronic device.

At least one wager is received. At least one hand is dealt utilizing the deck of playing cards that includes the secondary identifier(s). The hand(s) are displayed, including displaying any secondary identifiers on the playing cards dealt to the hand(s). In an optional embodiment, the partial information provided by secondary identifier(s) could be given at different times and/or multiple different ways during the course of a game. Similarly, different amounts of partial information may be given at different times and/or multi-different ways via the secondary identifier(s). A game outcome is generated utilizing the hand(s) and the wager(s) are resolved based on the game outcome.

The present invention also includes an electronic gaming machine, electronic gaming table and an on-line gaming system which are programmed to conduct a game method. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine includes a logic controller, a player interface including a wager receiver, a display, and a data storage device (all of which are in communication with the logic controller). The data storage device is configured to store electronic representations of playing cards. In a parallel construction of an electronic gaming table, there are multiple playing positions for players (and where not exclusively a player-versus-player gaming event) a dealer position, a processor including image files of both sides of individual playing cards, and a random number generator for providing individual playing cards or sets of playing cards to each play position (including player/banker where needed). Each of the playing positions includes an individual play-position view screen and player controls. The player controls include at least a wager control, wager amount control, playing card action control (e.g., displaying a playing card(s) by exposing the face of the playing card(s) having rank, suit, point count or other gaming activity symbol), credit availability and other information useful to the player, other players and/or the dealer/banker.

At least some of, at least a majority of, and preferably each of the playing cards includes at least one primary characteristic (rank, color, suit, point count, special action such as a wild card, and the like) on the face of the playing card. Preferably the playing cards each have a primary indicator comprising both suit and rank as in a standard deck of playing cards. Also, at least a portion of the playing cards include a secondary identifier that is not directly determinative of any final outcome in any rank competition or point count competition decided by individual player (or dealer/banker) hands used in the gaming competition between player positions. The secondary identifier is selected to provide only partial information about an aspect of the primary characteristic of the playing card to which the secondary identifier is applied. For example, in one optional embodiment, the primary characteristic is a playing card value and the secondary identifier provides information about the range of the playing card value of the playing card to which the secondary identifier is applied.

The data storage device (e.g., a processor or microprocessor) also stores graphics files representing the playing cards. In one optional embodiment, the graphics files representing the playing cards are designed so that the secondary identifier, if any, is exposed at the display when the primary identifier is concealed.

The data storage device stores program instructions executable by the logic controller. In one optional embodiment, at least one wager is received through the player interface. At least one hand is dealt by the logic controller utilizing the playing cards, at least a portion of which are marked with the secondary identifier. The hand(s) are displayed at the display, including displaying any secondary identifiers on the playing cards dealt to the hand(s). A game outcome is generated by the logic controller utilizing the hand(s). The wager is resolved by the logic controller based on the game outcome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of playing cards with associated secondary identifiers according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example Blackjack game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example Blackjack game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A random outcome-generating apparatus comprising a set of at least 48 playing cards having a face side and a back side;

the face side of each of the at least 48 playing cards having symbol indicators selected from the group consisting of rank symbols and point symbols,

the symbol indicators comprising a complete set of at least 12 different rank symbols or 12 different point symbols;

the at least 12 different rank symbols or 12 different point symbols having at least two and no more than 6 (preferably fewer than 6) distinct and different sets of rank symbols or point symbols, wherein each distinct and different set contains known rank symbols or point symbols, with no rank symbols or point symbols occurring within multiple distinct and different sets;

the back side of each of the at least 48 playing cards having one of at least two and up to a maximum of 6 (and preferably fewer than 6) visually different secondary symbol indicators; and

each of the at least two visually different secondary indicators on playing cards having a specific one of the at least two distinct and different sets. The random outcome-generating apparatus may have the set of at least 48 playing cards include at least 52 playing cards wherein the symbol indicators on faces of each playing card comprising four distinct card suits and 13 consecutive ranks of playing cards in each suit. The random outcome generating apparatus may be constituted by there being three or four distinct and different sets of rank symbols or point symbols and the back side of each of the at least 52 physical playing cards having one of three and no more than 5 visually different secondary symbol indicators, and each of the at least three visually different secondary indicators on playing cards having a specific one of the three distinct and different sets on faces of the at least 52 playing cards. The three distinct and different sets on the faces of the at least 52 physical playing cards comprise ranks of 2, 3, 4 and 5, ranks of 6, 7, 8 and 9 and ranks of 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace. It is preferred that the three visually different secondary symbol indicators are viewable and distinguishable by a naked human eye.

The present inventive technology also includes a method of executing a competition between total point count or rank of at least two hands of playing cards, wherein at least two playing cards are dealt to each of two hand-holding positions, with at least one of the at least two playing cards having a back of the playing card visible to the at least two hand-holding positions, wherein all playing cards are provided from a random outcome-generating apparatus comprising a set of at least 48 playing cards having a face side and a back side;

the face side of each of the at least 48 playing cards having symbol indicators selected from the group consisting of rank symbols and point symbols,

the symbol indicators comprising a complete set of at least 12 different rank symbols or 12 different point symbols;

the at least 12 different rank symbols or 12 different point symbols having at least two distinct and different sets of rank symbols or point symbols, wherein each distinct and different set contains known rank symbols or point symbols, with no rank symbols or point symbols occurring within multiple distinct and different sets;

the back side of each of the at least 48 playing cards having one of at least two visually different secondary symbol indicators; and

wherein each of the at least two visually different secondary indicators on playing cards having a specific one of the at least two distinct and different sets is used by a player at at least one of the two hand-holding positions to infer a range of playing card rank or point value based on viewing of at least one of the at least two visually different secondary indicators on backs of dealt playing cards; and

resolving the competition by a) determining which hand has a highest point count using symbols or numbers exposed on faces of all individual playing cards in each of the at least two hand-holding positions or b) determining which hand has a highest poker rank using symbols or numbers exposed on faces of all individual playing cards in each of the at least two hand-holding positions.

The method may have the random outcome generating apparatus of include three distinct and different sets of rank symbols or point symbols and the back side of each of the at least 52 physical playing cards having one of three visually different secondary symbol indicators, and each of the at least three visually different secondary indicators on playing cards identifying a specific one of the three distinct and different sets on faces of the at least 52 playing cards, and wherein each of the at least three visually different secondary indicators on playing cards identifying a specific one of the at least three distinct and different sets is used by a player at at least one of the two hand-holding positions to infer a range of playing card rank or point value for specific ones of the at least 52 physical playing cards based on viewing of at least one of the at least three visually different secondary indicators on backs of dealt playing cards.

The method may be performed wherein all dealt playing cards are positioned at the at least two hand-holding positions with only backs of playing cards and their respective ones of the three visually different secondary symbol indicators exposed for viewing.

The at least three distinct and different sets on the faces of the at least 52 physical playing cards may include a first set of ranks A of 2, 3, 4 and 5, a second set of ranks B of 6, 7, 8 and 9 and a third set of ranks C of 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace.

The method in a point count competition may include one hand-holding position identifies a possible range of point counts in a different hand-holding position by summing up a possible range of point count in the different hand-holding position by identifying total numbers a, b and c, respectively of each viewed at least three visually distinct and multiplying a sum of each of the total numbers for each of the possible range of point values.

The summing up a possible range of point count may be performed by a×A (2-5) plus b×B (5-9) plus c×C (0 or 10 for 10, Jack, Queen and King and 1 or 11 for Aces) to determine a possible total range of point count in a single hand-holding position,

The method may be executed wherein the competition is a poker rank competition in which is resolved by determination of which of the at least two hand-holding position has a highest poker rank using symbols and numbers and suits exposed on faces of all individual playing cards in each of the at least two hand-holding positions. The method may be executed wherein the at least two playing cards are dealt to all hand-holding positions that place a wager and resolution of the competition also resolves the wagers in a final playing card hand poker rank versus final playing card hand.

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention includes a method for conducting a card game. The present invention may be conducted in any format, including at a table, such as that shown in FIGS. 2-4, at an electronic device, such as the gaming machines illustrated in FIG. 5, at a handheld device, such as a personal digital assistant (“PDA”) or cellular telephone, at a general purpose personal computer (“PC”), or in any other format. Similarly, when conducted using a gaming machine, hand held device, PC, or other computer embodiment, the device may operate in a standalone or networked environment.

Referring again to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention includes a method for conducting card games. In one such optional embodiment, the method may be conducted using physical playing cards. The physical playing cards include at least one primary characteristic. For example, in a conventional deck of playing cards, the primary characteristic of each playing card may be the suit, value, color, rank, or the like of the playing card. It should be noted that physical playing cards may also take the form of tiles (such as pai gow tiles, mahjong tiles, or the like), non-conventional playing cards (i.e., cards utilizing values and/or suits different from conventional poker cards), or any other form of game piece.

At least a portion of the playing cards, and especially on the backs of the playing cards (opposite the face of the playing cards) are marked with a secondary identifier. A secondary identifier may take any form. For example, the secondary identifier could take the form of a visually readable (by the human eye) pattern, color, symbol, character, alphanumeric character (which is not identical to the number on the face of the playing card), picture, or the like. It is important to understand that no reading of the secondary characteristic (whether visually by a human eye or mechanically by any reader or scanner) is able to provide absolute identification of only a single rank or a single suit. The technology of the present invention can offer only partial information. This uniquely alters players perceptions of competitors hands (including dealer/banker hands). Players can attempt to read competitor hand positions with respect to rank and/or point totals using the partial information provided. In an optional embodiment, the secondary identifier is only perceivable through the use of an electronic device. For example, the playing card may be tagged electronically (e.g., radio frequency identification or RFID) or magnetically so that the secondary identifier is only perceivable with a reader. In a similar example, the playing card may be optically (but not visibly) tagged with ink that is perceptible only under certain wavelengths of light (e.g., ultraviolet light or infrared radiation) so that the secondary identifier is only perceivable under a special light. The secondary identifier, in one optional embodiment, is applied to the back of the playing card, i.e., the surface that does not include the value and suit characteristics of the playing card. Thus, in the optional embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the secondary identifier is a color applied to the back of the playing card.

In one optional embodiment, the secondary identifier and the playing cards to which the secondary identifier is selected so that the secondary identifier provides partial information about a primary characteristic of the playing card. For example, a secondary identifier could be applied to playing cards with values within a predefined range. Thus, in one such example, a color (such as yellow) may appear on the back of playing cards with the values of ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace. Thus, the partial information represented by a playing card with a yellow secondary identifier would be that the value of the playing card falls between ten and Ace. However, this is merely partial information because the yellow secondary identifier does not identify the specific value within that range (nor would it identify the suit or color) of the playing card.

As may be appreciated, playing cards according to the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with any game. For example, in one optional embodiment, wagers are placed, positioned at a player position, added to a community pot by any position where playing cards are to be received and a hand of playing cards is to be dealt. In one optional embodiment, a hand may be dealt to each player (and a dealer/banker position). In another optional embodiment, a community hand may be dealt. In yet another optional embodiment, hole cards may be dealt to each player which are used in combination with a community set of cards.

A game conducted according to an embodiment of the present invention is conducted using playing cards. These playing cards may have physical form or may be electronic representations of playing cards appearing on a display screen. Additionally, the game may utilize one or more conventional decks of fifty-two playing cards. Alternatively, the game may utilize one or more decks that have been supplemented (e.g., to include one or more additional playing cards such as a Joker) or truncated (e.g., as in a Spanish deck with all 10s removed). As noted above, at least a portion of the playing cards are marked 100 with a secondary identifier that provides partial information about a primary characteristic of the playing card.

A game according to the present method could be conducted in many different ways, particularly in the sequence of steps conducted. Therefore, in describing embodiments of a method according to the present invention, the order in which the steps are described should not be understood to imply that the steps must be performed in that order.

In one optional embodiment, a wager is received 102 from each player. The wager could take many different forms such as an ante wager, blind wager, or the like. In an optional embodiment, players must place a wager for participation in the game.

At least one hand is dealt 104. The game is conducted 106 according to its base rules to produce an outcome, but with the additional information provided by the secondary identifier(s). The wagers are resolved 108 according to the outcome of the game.

For example, in the optional embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, the present invention may be applied to a Blackjack game or Blackjack-type game. In one optional embodiment, all playing cards are marked with a secondary identifier that identifies a range of values for the playing card. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 2, yellow is applied to the backs of playing cards valued ten through Ace, blue is applied to the backs of playing cards valued six through nine, and red is applied to the backs of playing cards valued deuce through five. Player hands and a dealer hand are dealt as in conventional Blackjack, with one of the dealer's cards exposed and the other of the dealer's cards dealt face-down. However, since the secondary identifier is applied to the back of the playing cards, the secondary identifier of the dealer's face-down card is perceivable. Thus, each player can discern the range of values of the dealer's hole card based on the secondary identifier shown. Based on this partial information provided by the secondary identifier, the player is not required to assume that the dealer's face-down card is a ten-value card for purposes of playing the player's hand. Rather, the player can use the partial information to hit or stand as appropriate for the range of possible values of the dealer's face-down playing card.

In a further optional embodiment, an election may be received from the player to view the secondary identifier of a potential hit card before deciding whether to hit the player's hand (i.e., before deciding whether to hit or stand). In an optional embodiment, a fee (such as 50% of the player's wager) may be charged for viewing the secondary identifier of a potential hit card. In an optional embodiment, a potential hit card that is not used, i.e., a potential hit card that is not added to the player hand because the player chooses to stand after previewing the secondary identifier of the potential hit card, is removed from play. In an alternate optional embodiment, the potential hit card is available to the next player as a potential hit card.

A preferred construction of the gaming elements used in the practice of the present invention is to have at least two, preferably exactly three and possibly four distinct classes of secondary identifiers. Two classes of indicators (for example one indicating point counts or ranks of 2-7 and the other secondary identifier indicating point counts or ranks between 8 and Ace may provide less useful information and not entice players interest in any particular game. Three classes of indicators is preferred, with a first class of secondary indicator identifying a range of ranks in playing cards of 2-5, a second class indicating a rank of 6-9 (or10), and a third class of secondary identifier indicating a rank of 10-Ace (or Jack-Ace). Alternatively, the ranks could include 2-6, 7-9 (or 7-10) and 10-Ace (or Jack-Ace). Where point counts are used, the distribution among three classes could be Ace-4, 5-9 and 10-King. Alternatively a blend of ranges offering less than accurate point count ranges could be used, such as Ace-3 (and a 10), 4-6, and a Jack) and 7-9 (and the King and Queen). A blend, with at least two point or three point values within a single class offers more intrigue and excitement upon revelation of cards. It also offers a player, seeing that a card has a deceptive value an opportunity to bluff based on his/her actual knowledge.

An example hand is illustrated in FIG. 3 in which the secondary identifier associated with the dealer's face-down playing card is red. In such an optional embodiment, the red indicates that the possible range of the value of the dealer's face-down playing card is six to nine. When combined with the dealer's face-up card of eight, this provides a possible range of the dealer's hand total to be fourteen through seventeen.

In conducting their hands in this example, the players may act as follows: Player 1 decides to view a potential hit card before deciding whether to hit or stand. The potential hit card has a yellow secondary identifier. Player 1 knows that a yellow marked playing card has a range of potential values between ten and Ace. None of these cards will improve Player 1's hand so Player 1 chooses to stand in the hopes that the dealer busts. Player 2 has a twenty and chooses to stand. Player 3 sees that the dealer had a red marked playing card, which means a current total of 14, 15, 16, or 17. Since these hands are favorable for the player and Player 3 has a decent hand, he or she decides to preview a potential hit card. The potential hit card is marked with a blue secondary identifier, which means a final hand total of 18, 19, 20 or 21. Since these all improve Player 3's hand, Player 3 decides to hit. In an optional embodiment, Player 3 may also have the option to double down.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the dealer's hand is fully exposed and the face-down card is revealed to be a nine. In this case, Player 1 loses, while Player 2 and Player 3 both win.

As noted above, in an optional embodiment, the secondary identifiers may be marked in a manner invisible (and/or imperceptible) to the player without the aid of a reader. In one such optional embodiment, the reader may include a display which displays the partial information (e.g., the range of values, suit, color, etc.) associated with the secondary identifier when the reader reads the secondary identifier associated with the playing card. In an alternate or additional embodiment, a reader may display the range of possible hands that may be formed based on the partial information associated with the secondary identifier. For example, when the face-up card is paired with face-down card with a secondary identifier that provides a range of possible values, the display may display a range of possible hand totals, i.e., the face-up card plus each possible face-down card.

In one such example, a dealer may place the cards of the dealer hand into a reader. The dealer's face-up playing card is a seven while the dealer's face-down card is revealed to have a range of values between deuce through five only after inserting the dealer hand into a reader. In this case, the possible hand totals for the dealer hand range from nine through twelve. In an optional embodiment, the range of hand totals is displayed on a display. In an optional embodiment, the possible hand values are cleared from the display when the dealer removes the cards in preparation to settle the dealer's hand and determine a final hand total.

In an optional embodiment in which the player may opt to preview a potential hit card, the dealer may remove the potential hit card from a shoe or deck face-down. The playing card may be inserted into a reader which determines the secondary identifier and displays the partial information (e.g., the range of possible values of the potential hit card) at a display.

It is contemplated that many variations may incorporate such a method and device while still remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, players may be permitted to opt to preview potential hit cards but no partial information may be provided about the dealer's face-down playing card. Players may be permitted to pass unrevealed cards to other players within the scope of a flat bet “team” game. The fee assessed to preview a potential hit card may be part of a double-down wager or may be retained by the game operator as a fee. The game may be conducted using a truncated deck that lacks certain value cards (such as “10” cards). The conditions for a double-down wager may be limited to the initial two playing cards of a player hand (i.e., prior to receiving any hit cards) or may permit doubling down on any quantity of playing cards in the player hand. An option may be provided to allow a player to surrender his or her hand in exchange for a partial return of the wager. Bonus hands (such as partial playing card combinations or hand sums) may be rewarded at greater than the conventional rate. Players may be permitted to place an insurance wager against certain dealer hand totals, either with or without partial information about the dealer's face-down playing card.

In another application of the present invention, a poker game (e.g., a Hold'em poker game) may utilize playing cards with secondary identifiers. For example, in an optional embodiment, wagers are received and aggregated to a pot. Player hands each consisting of two hole cards are dealt. In an optional embodiment, secondary identifiers are visible to players, thereby allowing players to discern partial information about other players' hole cards. A wagering round is conducted and community cards are exposed. In an optional embodiment, community cards are exposed in stages, with a wagering round between stages. For example, in an optional embodiment, five community cards are exposed in stages of three cards (the “flop”), one card (the “turn”), and one card (the “river”).

In one such example, a player may hold two playing cards marked with a yellow secondary identifier. Instead of having one of 169 possible starting hands, the player's opponent knows this that both of these cards are between six and nine. On a flop containing a King and a pair of Aces, a player holding hole cards marked with a red secondary identifier and a blue secondary identifier can use his or her knowledge of the opponent's hand. For example, knowing that the opponent has two cards marked with a yellow secondary identifier (signifying cards between six and nine) means that the opponent cannot have a King or an Ace in his hole cards. This allows other players to, for example, bluff, buy the pot, or employ other strategies used against weaker hands.

The foregoing examples of Blackjack and Poker games are merely illustrative and should not be interpreted as limiting. Specifically, the present method, system, and device can be applied to any game, including house-banked poker-type games (e.g., a game in which a secondary identifier can be used to determine what possible hands a dealer might have, whether they can beat the possible holdings of the dealer and can surmise if the dealer's hand contains the necessary cards to qualify); Pai Gow-type games; Baccarat and speeding-up games; hearts; spades; bridge; or any other game in which secondary identifiers can be used to provide partial information about cards which currently provide no (or limited) information.

To summarize, the invention is directed to a method, system, and apparatus for conducting games in which secondary identifiers convey partial information about a game piece (e.g., playing card). This partial information allows the player to deduce the identity or range of possible identities of the game piece (and/or eliminate possible identities) without giving away so much information that the game piece is specifically identified. It is contemplated that the present invention may be applied wherever partial indicators have been added with the intent of conveying information, and when the ability exists for a person, computer or other device or entity to obtain the actual, total or real value of a specified item and only convey a fragmented or partial value.

It is further contemplated that the present invention includes methods, systems, and apparatus in which the actual value of the game piece (e.g., playing card) is detected but only a partial amount of information is displayed at a display. Thus, the present invention includes any secondary identifier or any process which utilizes a primary characteristic and creates a secondary identifier for display.

As may be appreciated, the present invention is not limited to pre-existing games and rule sets. Rather, the present invention may be used to create any base game or bonus feature which may be conducted using the methods, systems, and devices according to the present invention.

For example, in one optional embodiment, the secondary identifiers may, themselves, be used in forming combinations of game pieces (e.g., playing cards). In one such optional embodiment, unique hands or special circumstances may be created or unlocked when playing cards with the same (or any specific) secondary identifiers are matched on the deal.

Thus, in one such example, a “Golden Rule” may be applied in a conventional blackjack game. Certain playing cards may be marked with a gold secondary identifier. Two gold cards dealt on the initial deal may be combined to create a golden hand that has special properties. For example, when the dealer's hand contains two gold cards, the cards will be exposed (turned face-up) before the player draw. If the total is 21 (blackjack) the hand will end and players without a total of 21 will lose. If the cards total anything other than 21, the hand will continue and players will have knowledge of the value of the dealer's hand when hitting or standing to form their player hands. Similarly, exactly two gold cards will win against a house total of hard 22 to which all other hand totals will push.

As mentioned previously, the present invention may also be applied to non-wagering games. For example, in a game like Magic the Gathering™, the secondary identifiers may be applied to game pieces to convey partial information, such as the type of card (spell, creature) without giving away its exact identity. The wagering games include those played on electronic gaming tables. In recent years, strides have been made towards electronic gaming tables for playing card games. These electronic gaming tables may also be designed and tailored for the specific types of games executed on them, adding to the ambiance of a standard gaming table for the individual types of playing card games. These tables have been provided with many variations, as shown by US Published Patent Application Document Nos. 20050090304; 20060055114; 2006005082; 2006005083; 2006005084; 2006005085; 2006005086; 2006005087; 2006005088; 2006005089; 2006005090; 2006005091; 20060050892; 2006005093; 20060066052; 20060068498; 2006006864; 2006006865; 2006006866; 2006006867; 2006006868; 2006006869; 2006006870; 2006006871; 2006006879; 2006006899 and 20090124314 (all assigned to PokerTek, Inc.).

Other variations in poker-servicing electronic gaming tables are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,715,791; 9,640,027; 9,129,473; 8,348,747 8,926,421; 8,272,945 8,920,236; 8,684,360; 8,087,983; and 5,669,817.

US Published Patent Application Document No. 20050090304, in particular, evidences a system and method displays an electronic playing card to a player on a video display. The playing card has a back side and a front side. The system and method detect a triggering event and display at least a portion of the front side of the electronic playing card in response to the triggering event.

These electronic wagering game tables are platforms on which the present gaming technology can be played, as an alternative to live physical cards with the live physical players. These systems (with all of the cited references in this application being incorporated by reference in their entirety) generally include a gaming table surface with individual player position areas around the sides of the table, with a visual display (screen, LED, plasma screen, CRT, etc.) at each player position and input controls (player entry, credit controls, credit display, card selection input controls, and action controls such as surrender, split. discard and draw, etc.). The table has a processor, memory, random number generator, possibly game processor, progressive jackpot input, side bet inputs, monitors for display progressive jackpot activity and the like. An electronic gaming table for execution of playing card games among multiple players comprising a display screen where at least one random virtual playing card is virtually delivered to individual player positions for each of the multiple players, the electronic gaming table comprising the display screen, a processor associated with memory, player input controls and a playing card masking element at each player position.

The game technology can also be executed in an on-line system, with each player position having a visual display (screen, LED, plasma screen, CRT, etc.) at each player position and input controls (player entry, credit controls, credit display, card selection input controls, and action controls such as surrender, split. discard and draw, etc.). An electronic gaming table for execution of playing card games among multiple players comprising a display screen where at least one random virtual playing card is virtually delivered to individual player positions for each of the multiple players, the electronic gaming table comprising the display screen, a processor associated with memory, player input controls and a playing card masking element at each player position.

Social media applications can serve as platforms through which such information is presented, and shared. The present specification is directed towards multiple embodiments. The following disclosure is provided in order to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Language used in this specification should not be interpreted as a general disavowal of any one specific embodiment or used to limit the claims beyond the meaning of the terms used therein. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

For purposes of this application, a social network is an on-line community defined by a first set of data, organized into an account in a mobile application or a set of web pages, that are controlled by and defining the interests, profile, images, video, audio, or other information of a first user (collectively first user data), and a second set of data, organized into an account in a mobile application or a set of web pages, each controlled by and defining the interests, profile, images, video, audio, or other information of a second user (collectively second user data), where the first user can selectively grant to the second user access to the first user data and/or where the second user can selectively grant to the first user access to the second user data. It should be appreciated that the selective granting of data access can be applied by any number of first users by and among any number of second users. It should further be appreciated that when a first user grants to the second user access to the first user data, the first user is “connected” to the second user.

For purposes of this application, a mobile platform is an operating system programmed to execute on a mobile device, such as a phone or tablet computer, and connect with a remotely hosted e-commerce store for enabling a user to access a plurality of applications. The operating system defines a plurality of procedures, calls, methods, and other programmatic tools which, if adopted and integrated into the applications, permit the application to be purchased, downloaded, and used on the mobile device.

Both the mobile platform and social network are further defined in that they provide users with a single point of purchase functionality. Even though each may provide access to thousands of products and services, primarily software of different types from different vendors, they provide users with a single point of purchase functionality that is typically actuated by just inputting an identifier, unique to the user of the mobile platform or social network, which triggers a purchase process by authorizing the use of a stored set of billing processes, such as a bank withdrawal or credit card charging process. In this manner, a user of the mobile platform or social network need not engage with multiple different billing systems or re-input billing information every time the user wishes to purchase a software application from a new or different vendor. The mobile platform and social network provide a single purchase functionality that is integrated into the software for hosting the social network and its e-commerce store and integrated into the software for the mobile device operating system and its remotely hosted e-commerce store.

It should be appreciated that all of the gaming systems described herein are operated by hosting servers, executing programmatic code, communicating in a wired or wireless manner with programmatic code on a client device being operated by a user, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, personal computer, laptop or other computing device.

In an embodiment, the gaming site of the present specification provides users with an option to play one or more wagering events or gaming events or mini-games with one or more virtual opponents via the gaming website, via a social networking website such as Facebook® system, or via a mobile phone operating system, such as Apple® iOS or Google®. Android® systems and the like. In an embodiment, in order to play via a smart phone, a user is prompted to download and install a gaming application by first opening the gaming site on the phone and subsequently clicking on a link provided therein, especially security and verification information components and functions of the gaming events.

In an embodiment, a user may elect to play the game provided by the hosting gaming site via their social network sites such as Facebook® system. In an embodiment, a user may perform a search for the gaming application on his/her Facebook® system page and commence gameplay via opening the application, while still being on Facebook® system. This feature allows the user to play with one or more of his/her Facebook® system friends that happen to be online at that time by inviting such friends to play. The invite may be sent to the accounts or profile pages of friends. The user may also post updates on his/her homepage notifying everyone, or his/her friends, a time and date when the user would be playing the online game, thereby allowing other individuals to join the user's game at the notified times.

While accessing the gaming application via a social networking site, such as Facebook® system, a user is informed that the application would be accessing the user's basic information which may be made available by the networking site. The online gaming system of the present specification uses this basic information, such as the user's name and photo, as well as the user's friends list in order to enable the user to see and play with online friends. The gaming application also requests permission to send emails to the user by using the email provided by the user to the networking site, in order to send the user alerts on the receipt of gifts, neighbor invitations, and occasionally information on new features, games and special offers, including virtual goods. The user may specify whether the application can send e-mails. Further the user may change the permission granted at any time. The gaming application also requests permission to post to the user's profile page (or ‘wall’) on the networking site for sharing gaming information and rewards with friends. The user may specify whether the application can make such postings. In addition, the user is informed that the gaming application may access the user's profile information provided on the networking site. For example, the gaming application may obtain the user's birth date from the profile information provided to ensure that the user receives age-appropriate content from the gaming application.

The user may also choose to play a mini-game (e.g., non-wagering or social app) selected from a set of games hosted by the gaming website via the website itself. In this case, the user is required to log-in to a social network from within the gaming site, in order to enable play, gift-sharing, etc. with his/her friends. In one embodiment, if a user does not have an account on any social networking site, the user is prompted to create one prior to commencing gameplay.

Architecture Overview

In one embodiment, the online gaming system of the present specification provides a user, which may be an individual, a company, a partnership, a charity, or any other legal entity, with an option of initiating certain mini-games that, when played, increase or expand the number of individuals that are part of the users' social network. That social network is visually described as a tree, but it may take any form that has some element of hierarchy embedded within it where an initiating user (the trunk, community owner, or social network owner) is at the base and other members are either directly connected to the initiating user or indirectly connected to the initiating user through other users.

In one embodiment, the tree trunk represents the player that initiates the game, also known as the first user or the initiating user. In one embodiment, branches, also known as a second (or third, fourth, etc.) user or one who was invited to play the game by another user, represent all players that choose to progress in the game by receiving and engaging in a mini-game challenge from another user and distributing mini-game challenges to another set of users. In another embodiment, leaves represent all players that choose to remain in the game by receiving and engaging in a mini-game challenge from another user but not distributing any challenges from mini-games themselves. In one embodiment, branches and limbs are used interchangeably. In one embodiment, several trees, or several communities, form a forest.

Mini-games and wagering event gaming may comprise multiple different types of content, as described above, and, within each type of content, multiple different formats. A format may comprise of several types of media, including but not limited to text, audio, images, or video media. In one embodiment, the content is a question and answer game that is passed along among the “initiating player” and “subsequent players”. Thus, the content may comprise multiple different formats, including a multiple game content selector, multiple choice selections of virtual symbols (i.e. text, video and/or audio) or a series of images. An “initiating user” can select from many different types of content and corresponding formats through which their game is entered and for subsequent players to engage in. In addition, within each content type, there are several themes, which are genres or sub-genres. Different types of content, formats, symbol themes, and game themes are described below. While throughout this text, examples are provided with respect to “questions”, it should be noted that this is for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and that any content type of any format may be used with the present invention as described in the present specification.

Turning to FIG. 5, the present method may be conducted on a device 500, such as a computer, gaming machine, handheld device, cellular telephone, PDA, or the like. As discussed in greater detail below, the device may be a standalone device or may be networked to other devices or a server. For example, in one optional embodiment, the method may be conducted for a player against other live players over a network, such as the Internet. For example, two or more devices may be networked using a local area network (“LAN”), wide area network (“WAN”), Internet, or other computer network. Optionally, a game server is also networked; the game server could be a separate entity in the network or one of the devices may act as a game server. In either case, the game server optionally distributes the cards which are displayed to each player at his or her device. In another optional embodiment, the method may be conducted in a standalone machine against a computer-controlled dealer or computer-controlled players. In yet another optional embodiment, the method may be conducted using both live players and computer-controlled players.

In the optional embodiment of FIG. 5, the player places a wager, optionally by depositing a wager into a through a player interface 504.

The device includes a logic controller 502 which cooperates with (or incorporates) a random number generator to deal cards. The cards are associated with secondary identifiers. In an optional embodiment, images of the cards and the secondary identifiers are stored at a data storage device 506. In an optional embodiment, cards are displayed on a display 508. Secondary identifiers of one or more playing cards in opponent hands and/or the remaining card inventory (e.g., deck, shoe, or the like) are displayed at the display 508. As previously mentioned, the secondary identifiers may be hidden or otherwise concealed until a predetermined point in the game. Additionally, certain secondary identifiers may only be revealed upon payment of a fee or placement of a wager.

The logic controller 502 conducts the game according to the base game rules and resolves any wagers.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described it is to be understood that the embodiments of present invention shown and described are subject to many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention presented herein. 

What is claimed:
 1. A random outcome-generating apparatus comprising a set of at least 48 playing cards having a face side and a back side; the face side of each of the at least 48 playing cards having symbol indicators selected from the group consisting of rank symbols and point symbols, the symbol indicators comprising a complete set of at least 12 different rank symbols or 12 different point symbols; the at least 12 different rank symbols or 12 different point symbols having at least two distinct and different sets of rank symbols or point symbols, wherein each distinct and different set contains known rank symbols or point symbols, with no rank symbols or point symbols occurring within multiple distinct and different sets; the back side of each of the at least 48 playing cards having one of at least two but fewer than 6 visually different secondary symbol indicators; and each of the at least two visually different secondary indicators on playing cards having a specific one of the at least two distinct and different sets.
 2. The random outcome-generating apparatus of claim 1 wherein the set of at least 48 playing cards comprises at least 52 playing cards wherein the symbol indicators on faces of each playing card comprising four distinct card suits and 13 consecutive ranks of playing cards in each suit.
 3. The random outcome generating apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are three distinct and different sets of rank symbols or point symbols and the back side of each of the at least 52 physical playing cards having one of three and fewer than 5 visually different secondary symbol indicators, and each of the at least three visually different secondary indicators on playing cards having a specific one of the three distinct and different sets on faces of the at least 52 playing cards.
 4. The random outcome-generating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the at least three distinct and different sets on the faces of the at least 52 physical playing cards comprise ranks of 2, 3, 4 and 5, ranks of 6, 7, 8 and 9 and ranks of 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace.
 5. The random outcome generating apparatus of claim 2 wherein the three visually different secondary symbol indicators are viewable and distinguishable by a naked human eye.
 6. The random outcome generating apparatus of claim 3 wherein the three visually different secondary symbol indicators are viewable and distinguishable by a naked human eye.
 7. The random outcome generating apparatus of claim 4 wherein the three visually different secondary symbol indicators are viewable and distinguishable by a naked human eye.
 8. A method of executing a competition between total point count or rank of at least two hands of playing cards, wherein at least two playing cards are dealt to each of two hand-holding positions, with at least one of the at least two playing cards having a back of the playing card visible to the at least two hand-holding positions, wherein all playing cards are provided from a random outcome-generating apparatus comprising a set of at least 48 playing cards having a face side and a back side; the face side of each of the at least 48 playing cards having symbol indicators selected from the group consisting of rank symbols and point symbols, the symbol indicators comprising a complete set of at least 12 different rank symbols or 12 different point symbols; the at least 12 different rank symbols or 12 different point symbols having at least two distinct and different sets of rank symbols or point symbols, wherein each distinct and different set contains known rank symbols or point symbols, with no rank symbols or point symbols occurring within multiple distinct and different sets; the back side of each of the at least 48 playing cards having one of at least two visually different secondary symbol indicators; and wherein each of the at least two visually different secondary indicators on playing cards having a specific one of the at least two distinct and different sets is used by a player at least one of the two hand-holding positions to infer a range of playing card rank or point value based on viewing of at least one of the at least two visually different secondary indicators on backs of dealt playing cards; and resolving the competition by a) determining which hand has a highest point count using symbols or numbers exposed on faces of all individual playing cards in each of the at least two hand-holding positions or b) determining which hand has a highest poker rank using symbols or numbers exposed on faces of all individual playing cards in each of the at least two hand-holding positions.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the random outcome generating apparatus of comprises three distinct and different sets of rank symbols or point symbols and the back side of each of the at least 52 physical playing cards having one of three visually different secondary symbol indicators, and each of the at least three visually different secondary indicators on playing cards identifying a specific one of the three distinct and different sets on faces of the at least 52 playing cards, and wherein each of the at least three visually different secondary indicators on playing cards identifying a specific one of the at least three distinct and different sets is used by a player at at least one of the two hand-holding positions to infer a range of playing card rank or point value for specific ones of the at least 52 physical playing cards based on viewing of at least one of the at least three visually different secondary indicators on backs of dealt playing cards.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein all dealt playing cards are positioned at the at least two hand-holding positions with only backs of playing cards and their respective ones of the three visually different secondary symbol indicators exposed for viewing.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the at least three distinct and different sets on the faces of the at least 52 physical playing cards comprise a first set of ranks A of 2, 3, 4 and 5, a second set of ranks B of 6, 7, 8 and 9 and a third set of ranks C of 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein in a point count competition, one hand-holding position identifies a possible range of point counts in a different hand-holding position by summing up a possible range of point count in the different hand-holding position by identifying total numbers a, b and c, respectively of each viewed at least three visually distinct and multiplying a sum of each of the total numbers for each of the possible range of point values.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the summing up a possible range of point count is performed by a×A (2-5) plus b×B (5-9) plus c×C (0 or 10 {for 10, Jack, Queen and King and 1 or 11 for Aces) to determine a possible total range of point count in a single hand-holding position,
 14. The method of claim 8 wherein the competition is a poker rank competition in which is resolved by determination of which of the at least two hand-holding position has a highest poker rank using symbols and numbers and suits exposed on faces of all individual playing cards in each of the at least two hand-holding positions.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein the competition is a poker rank competition in which is resolved by determination of which of the at least two hand-holding position has a highest poker rank using symbols and numbers and suits exposed on faces of all individual playing cards in each of the at least two hand-holding positions.
 16. The method of claim 10 wherein the competition is a poker rank competition in which is resolved by determination of which of the at least two hand-holding position has a highest poker rank using symbols and numbers and suits exposed on faces of all individual playing cards in each of the at least two hand-holding positions.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein the competition is a poker rank competition in which is resolved by determination of which of the at least two hand-holding position has a highest poker rank using symbols and numbers and suits exposed on faces of all individual playing cards in each of the at least two hand-holding positions.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the at least two playing cards are dealt to all hand-holding positions that place a wager and resolution of the competition also resolves the wagers in a final playing card hand poker rank versus final playing card hand.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the at least two playing cards are dealt to all hand-holding positions that place a wager and resolution of the competition also resolves the wagers in a final playing card hand poker rank versus final playing card hand.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein the at least two playing cards are dealt to all hand-holding positions that place a wager and resolution of the competition also resolves the wagers in a final playing card hand poker rank versus final playing card hand. 